Recently, we had the pleasure of hearing the life of Educator Extraordinaire Alice Schumaker. Alice Schumaker, a native of McCook, Nebraska, located in the far southwest of the state, is a seasoned Rotarian with over 25 years of active involvement in the organization. Growing up on a farm just outside of town, Alice developed a strong sense of community and a love for learning from an early age. With three brothers, a stepdaughter, a stepson, and eight grandchildren, family has always been a cornerstone of her life, despite the loss of her husband Rand, son Eric, and stepson Brian.Her educational journey began in McCook before she ventured out to pursue her passion for medical technology. Graduating from McCook Junior College and later from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a degree in Medical Technology, Alice embarked on an 18-year career in clinical laboratory science. Seeking new horizons and driven by a sense of adventure, she worked in various locations including Denver, Modesto, San Jose, San Francisco, and eventually returned to UNMC to complete a Masters Degree in Pathology.
As the landscape of healthcare underwent significant changes, Alice found herself drawn to the field of Public Administration with a focus on Health Policy. She obtained a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) where she also served as a research associate, delving into community development and teaching. Her dedication to education and community involvement led her to co-plan a joint Master of Public Health degree with UNMC, culminating in the establishment of the College of Public Health where she served as Associate Dean.
Alice's commitment to service extends beyond her professional endeavors. Her passion for Rotary stems from its core values and impactful projects. She is particularly enthusiastic about Rotary's involvement in service projects both locally and globally, the Polio Plus campaign in partnership with the Gates Foundation to eradicate polio, and the Youth Ambassadorial program, which holds a special place in her heart as her granddaughter participated in it, experiencing the transformative power of international exchange firsthand.
Having served as the past chair of the Suburban Scholarship Committee and being actively involved in both the North and Suburban Rotary Clubs, Alice emphasizes the importance of inviting others to join Rotary, recognizing the value of community engagement and service.
In summary, Alice Schumaker's life has been marked by a continuous pursuit of learning, service, and community involvement. Her dedication to Rotary and its values underscores her commitment to making a positive difference in the world, both now and in the future.
Alice Schumaker giving her vocational talk
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